October 9, 2012

A Cape Coral man charged last month in connection to a marijuana grow house bust has reportedly been tied to another cultivation operation.

Jose A. Ferrer-Elvira, 42, of 1132 S.W. 39th St., was arrested and charged Friday with one count each of marijuana producing and marijuana possess not more than 20 grams, and two counts of drug equipment possess and or use.

On Tuesday, he remained in custody at the Lee County Jail without bond.

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Jose A. Ferrer-Elvira

According to a report, Cape police received anonymous information in June about possible cannabis cultivation operations at 831 S.W. Fifth Terrace and 1132 S.W. 39th St. Detectives learned that Ferrer-Elvira owned the homes.

On Sept. 25, probable cause was established for a search warrant at 831 S.W. Fifth Terrace. The search reportedly uncovered an elaborate cultivation operation and approximately 2.47 pounds of marijuana was seized by police.

LCEC confirmed the electricity to the home was being illegally diverted.

In an interview with police, Ferrer-Elvira reportedly said he had cultivated cannabis in the past, but only marijuana was stored at the home. He allegedly said there were no illegal drugs nor an operation at the 39th Street home.

He was charged with marijuana producing, marijuana possess with intent to sell manufacture or deliver, marijuana possess over 20 grams and marijuana possess not more than 20 grams, along with four counts of drug equipment possess and or use.

Ferrer-Elvira was released from jail on $9,500 bond.

On Wednesday, an employee with LCEC visited the home at 1132 S.W. 39th St. to determine if the electricity had been tampered with like it had been at 831 S.W. Fifth Terrace. The employee learned it also was illegally diverted.

According to a report, LCEC estimated the loss at about $18,900.

Cape police were called to the scene. Based on Ferrer-Elvira's arrest, the diversion of electricity and an odor of marijuana emanating from the home, a second search warrant was obtained for the home at 1132 S.W. 39th St.

Upon execution of the warrant, detectives found the residence "outfitted for a marijuana cultivation operation," including two bedrooms and a laundry room, the report states. Officers seized marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

On Friday, Ferrer-Elvira was located at the Lee County Justice Center. He was taken into custody on the additional charges and transported to the jail.

During an interview with police, he reportedly stated that he did not live at or take care of the residence. He allegedly said he rented the home to a man.